The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced a fresh investigation into Nigeria’s cement industry over suspected price manipulation and other anti-competitive practices.
The investigation followed widespread complaints over the rising cost of cement and was conducted by the Commission’s Anticompetitive Practices Department (ACP) over a three-month period.
A 40-page field report examined cement markets in Nigeria and six other African countries — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo — focusing on limestone availability, population, production capacity, domestic consumption and retail prices.
The Commission said concerns over cement pricing in Nigeria were heightened by the country’s significant limestone deposits and large installed production capacity, which it said appeared to exceed domestic demand.
The FCCPC estimated Nigeria’s installed cement production capacity at more than 60 million to 65 million metric tonnes annually, compared with domestic consumption of between 25 million and 30 million tonnes.
It also noted that Nigeria is a net exporter of cement to neighbouring countries.Despite this capacity surplus, the FCCPC said cement prices had continued to rise rather than fall, contrary to what would ordinarily be expected in a competitive market with excess supply.
Market intelligence reviewed by the FCCPC showed that the price of a 50kg bag of cement rose sharply in the first half of 2026.The Commission also compared Nigeria’s cement prices with those in other African markets.
In Kenya, with a population of about 58.6 million and annual cement demand of approximately 9.3 million tonnes in 2025, a 50kg bag sold for about $5.40, equivalent to N7,344 based on the Commission’s conversion.
In Tanzania, where the population is estimated at 66.3 million and annual cement demand is also about 9.3 million tonnes, a bag sold for approximately $4.80, equivalent to N6,528.In Togo, which has no significant limestone deposits, the price was about $6.75, equivalent to N9,180.
The FCCPC’s fresh probe is expected to further examine the factors responsible for the continued increase in cement prices and determine whether anti-competitive practices may be contributing to the trend.
Hadizat Giwa